Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

hiss-and-tell

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.05 in modern English

Syllables: hiss-and-tell
IPA

15

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

3

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Disclosing private information in a hostile manner.

Informal

Example Sentences

"But Miller's tale is as notable for what it isn't as for what it is. It is not a hiss-and-tell attempt to settle scores and mold history like Donald Regan's For the Record, a spin-doctored account of his time as President Reagan's chief of staff."
"What is clear from this hiss-and-tell diary is that Hoddle feels immune to any downward glances, any disapproving charge from his bosses at the FA."
"Maybe that's what this hiss-and-tell book is all about, therapy for McEnroe's battered psyche, a nightmare marriage, a splendid career best remembered for screeching on-court tantrums."

Etymology

Blend of hiss + kiss and tell.

Usage

Informal

Questions

What does hiss-and-tell mean?: Disclosing private information in a hostile manner.
Where does hiss-and-tell come from?: Blend of hiss + kiss and tell.

How to pronounce hiss-and-tell

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